Almost all tables-of-eight were filled during the third “Dessert Fantasia” event on Friday, October 2, 2015. Acknowledgment of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month was stressed. Two speakers–survivors of the disease–wore pink neckerchiefs, as did eight crew members/servers, who were also paid attendees.
Money raised supports the church’s missions in the United States and worldwide. Funds help “Feed the Children” in south Chicago, IL. Money goes to United Methodist Missions in support of refugees; none of the donation is used for administrative costs of the program.
A dozen creative Table Hostesses transformed Heritage Hall in Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, into an artful tearoom. Unique place settings, centerpieces, linens, and decor created a plethora of pretty destinations around the room.
Connie Barr decorated Table 1 with an apple theme with red tableware. She is shown standing with some of her guests seated left-to-right: Marsha Kaufman, Pat Vandermyde, and Al Schaver. Georgia Schaver‘s hand is visible. “Tiny” and Kathy VanderVinne and Roger Barr completed the octet.
Mary Ellen Brackemyer designed Table 2 with autumnal elements and colors. Seated left-to-right are Marcia Haag, Brackemyer, Susan Bland, Mary Benson, and Amy Venhuisen. Additional guests at this table were Nancy Pannier and Nancy Usterbowski. One guest was unable to attend.
From 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. platters of desserts were dispensed; each was a unique and delicious offering. Those with special needs for sugar- or gluten-free desserts found options, too.
From 7:15 to 8:30 “Ukulele Connection” delighted over 100 toe-tappers and participants in a rich and varied repertoire: from Gospel’s “Wayfaring Stranger” to Paul McCartney; from The Kingston Trio to Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Good” on tenor ukulele–which brought the church down! There was a song sheet to follow, sound effects supplied by the audience, and rhythmic clapping to accompany the musicians. Paul Engwall, Aaron Johnson, and Jim Roeder found humor and harmony in voice and instruments–ukulele, guitar, tuba, harmonica, and banjo. Their CD, “Favorites #1,” was recorded in Morrison at Straightaway Studio, in Connie Barr’s former quilt store.